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University of Winchester Theology and Religious Studies

The study of theology and religion has been at the heart of the University of Winchester since its inception.
Created: 
Mon, 2011-07-11 17:09

In today's complex and fast-changing multi-cultural world, the study of theology and religion is more vital and relevant than ever.

There can be few better places to study theology and religion than Winchester. We have close links with Winchester Cathedral, a famous site of Christian worship for more than a millennium. Also, we are within easy reach of major centres such as London and Southampton, where you will find almost every faith community that is present in Britain.

Undergraduate study
The Department of Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) offers a broad and varied undergraduate programme in Theology and Religious Studies. As a student in TRS, you will be taught by a lively, enthusiastic and well-qualified team of academics, committed to giving the best possible student experience. According to the Guardian University Guide 2010, 92% of the Department's students were satisfied with their teaching. A Winchester TRS degree is a great preparation for many careers: recent graduates have gone into journalism, teaching, counselling, social work, law, religious ministry and commerce, as well as postgraduate study and research.

Postgraduate study
For postgraduate students, we offer the MA in Death, Religion and Culture and the MTh in Orthodox Studies. For more information, visit the Postgraduate Studies page.

The Department has the largest group of MPhil/PhD students in the University, working on research topics ranging from Karl Barth to Christian Feminism, and from death in English poetry to Jews, Muslims and Christians in contemporary Israel.

Research
Research in TRS is thriving and growing. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, over half our research activity was rated of international standing. The Department includes nationally and internationally respected researchers with a range of interests, including:

  • Christian theology, ethics and politics
  • Interfaith dialogue and theologies of religions
  • Religion, gender and disability
  • Chinese and Indian religious traditions
  • Indigenous religions
  • Faith, spirituality and social change

Conferences held by the Department include an ongoing series on 'Interfaith and Social Change' and the 'Death Days'; for information on forthcoming conferences, visit our News and Events page. TRS members' links with faith communities and professional groups also ensure that our research has an impact well beyond the academic community.

For more information about all of these activities, click on the links in the left-hand menu to access our departmental webpages. Please do not hesitate contact us - we would be delighted to hear from you.

Contact Information
Tel: 
01962 826428
Address: 

Theology and Religious Studies
Humanities and Social Sciences
University of Winchester
Sparkford Road
Winchester
Hampshire
SO22 4NR

Email: 
Neil.Messer@winchester.ac.uk
Website: 
www.winchester.ac.uk

Courses Offered

Undergraduate studies
BA (Hons) Theology and Religious Studies
BA (Hons) Ethics and Spirituality
FdA Christian Theology and Ministry
FdA Practical Theology

Postgraduate studies
MA Death, Religion and Culture
This interdisciplinary programme draws on the Department's wide-ranging expertise in both religious studies and theology. You can take it full- or part-time, in taught or distance learning mode.

MTh Orthodox Studies
This programme offers a wide-ranging study of Orthodox Christian tradition and practice, including theology, history, ecclesiology, tradition, liturgy and art. It draws on a variety of academic disciplines and discourses to enable students to reflect critically on the entirety of Orthodox faith, tradition and practice.

Useful Information

We offer you:

Innovative and forward-thinking learning and teaching with scholars at the forefront of their disciplines

A great location in Hampshire in the ancient cathedral city of Winchester, which is one hour away from London

An attractive campus situated within walking distance of the city centre

First year full-time undergraduates are guaranteed high quality campus accommodation (subject to conditions)

Great sports facilities, including the Winchester Sports Stadium

A new Student Union inside the award-winning University Centre

Research activity at national and international levels of excellence

A safe and supportive community with an informal culture

A dedicated centre for research and knowledge exchange offering support for postgraduate research students

Winchester achievements:

THE Awards (Times Higher Education)
The University was shortlisted for 'University of the Year' in 2009, 'Outstanding Student Financial Support Package' in 2007 for our King Alfred Scholarship, and 'Higher Education Insititution of the Year' in 2005.

Whatuni Top 10 winner
Winchester was a top 10 winner in the accommodation category of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2009.

NSS 2009 (National Student Survey)
History at Winchester is ranked joint top in the UK among full-time first degree students for overall satisfaction. Education Studies, Sports Studies and Event Management were second in the UK for overall satisfaction. Other NSS successes include
Business Management, American Studies and Creative Writing which were ranked in the top 10, and Psychology, English and Choreography and Dance appeared in the top 20 universities for overall satisfaction.

RAE 2008 (Research Assessment Exercise)
75% of the University's research submitted was considered internationally recognised, with some research achieving the highest grade possible (4*) and a rating of "quality that is world-leading in terms of orginality, significance and rigour".

The Guardian University Guide 2009
Winchester is ranked in the top 25 universities for satisfaction with teaching.

The Good Teacher Training Guide 2009
Primary Initial Teacher Training at Winchester is ranked in the top 15 universities based on the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) Profiles 2009.